Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957, suggests that individuals experience psychological discomfort, or dissonance, when they hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. This discomfort motivates them to reduce the inconsistency and restore cognitive harmony. Key concepts of cognitive dissonance theory include: Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable feeling of tension…

Attribution theory is a social psychological framework that focuses on how individuals interpret and explain the causes of behavior, events, and outcomes. It explores the cognitive processes involved in making attributions, or judgments about the reasons behind observed phenomena. Developed by Fritz Heider and further elaborated by Harold Kelley and others, attribution theory helps understand…

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Eric Berne in the mid-20th century. It offers a framework for understanding human personality, communication patterns, and interpersonal dynamics. TA is based on the idea that individuals are shaped by their early life experiences and social interactions, and it focuses on identifying and…

Structuralism was a school of psychology developed in the late 19th century by thinkers such as Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener. It aimed to analyze the structure of the human mind by breaking down mental experiences into their basic components or elements. Structuralists believed that by understanding these elemental components, they could gain insight into…

Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is based on the premise that unconscious conflicts, drives, and desires influence behavior and mental processes. Freud’s work laid the foundation for the field of psychoanalysis and significantly influenced modern psychology and psychiatry. Key…

Phenomenological psychology is a psychological approach that focuses on understanding and interpreting the subjective experiences of individuals as they occur in the present moment. It emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the overly scientific and reductionistic approaches of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Phenomenological psychology emphasizes the importance of exploring the lived experience…

Individual psychology, also known as Adlerian psychology, is a psychological approach developed by Alfred Adler, a colleague of Sigmund Freud. It focuses on understanding the unique and subjective experiences of individuals within the context of their social environment. Individual psychology emphasizes the significance of an individual’s subjective perceptions, beliefs, goals, and values in shaping their…

Individual differences refer to the variations and unique characteristics that exist among individuals within a population. These differences can manifest in various aspects of human functioning, including personality traits, cognitive abilities, emotional reactions, behavior patterns, and physical attributes. Individual differences are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, cultural, and experiential factors, and they contribute…

Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of human potential, personal growth, and self-actualization. It emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the deterministic and reductionistic approaches of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Humanistic psychology focuses on understanding individuals as whole persons and emphasizes subjective experiences, free will, and the innate drive…

Gestalt psychology is a psychological approach that emphasizes the holistic understanding of human experience, perception, and problem-solving. It originated in Germany in the early 20th century, with key figures such as Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Köhler. The term “Gestalt” refers to a unified whole or pattern that is perceived as different from the…